Murkomen, Police Issue Statement Over Killing Of 20 Kenyan Fishermen By Militia

The attack is suspected to have occurred on the evening of Saturday, February 22, near River Omo.

Marvin Chege Marvin Chege
Feb 23, 2025 - 18:02
0
Murkomen, Police Issue Statement Over Killing Of 20 Kenyan Fishermen By Militia
Interior CS Kipchumba Murkomen speaking during the launch of the NACADA Status Of Drugs And Substance Use Among University Students In Kenya on February 13, 2025. /PHOTO

Interior Cabinet Secretary Kipchumba Murkomen has announced that security at the Kenya-Ethiopia border has been heightened following a deadly attack that claimed the lives of at least 20 Kenyan fishermen.

In a tragic turn of events, a clash between Turkana and Dassanech fishermen at Lopemukat common waters along the Kenya-Ethiopia border resulted in the aforementioned deaths, with several others missing.

Speaking about the incident on Sunday, February 23 during a church service, Murkomen stated that security had been reinforced along the Kenya-Ethiopia border, with efforts underway to restore peace in the region.

"The Government has deployed additional security along the Kenya-Ethiopia border following last evening's incident involving Kenyan citizens and Dassanech community members of Ethiopia in Lopeimukat area," Murkomen stated.

Police officers patrolling at Kasiela area in Mochongoi, Baringo south on March 8, 2022. /STANDARD DIGITAL

"The Inspector General of Police has been leading efforts to contain the situation and calm has returned to the area. We're also engaging the Government of Ethiopia in a bid to broker peace between the two communities. We will do everything possible to keep our people safe at all times."

The National Police Service (NPS) also addressed the matter, stating that a security team in Turkana was deployed to understand the full extent of the attack before taking any action.

NPS cautioned local communities in Turkana against carrying out retaliatory attacks, stating that they were working with Ethiopian authorities to verify the reports.

"Earlier today, the National Police Service received information regarding an alleged attack between Turkana and Dasanach fishermen in Lopemukat common waters. The Turkana security team, in collaboration with Ethiopian authorities, is on the ground to verify the reports and take necessary action in accordance with the law," the statement read.

The NPS added, “The National Police Service urges the affected communities to remain calm and refrain from any actions that may escalate the situation,” as it emphasized the importance of law and order.

The attack is suspected to have occurred on the evening of Saturday, February 22, near River Omo. Reports indicate that five boats were ambushed, resulting in the deaths of all those on board.

Sources familiar with security matters have attributed the attack to heavily armed Ethiopian Dassanech militia.

Although the exact motives behind the attack are still unclear, several sources in Turkana strongly believe it was likely a retaliatory strike by the Dassanech militia after three of their members were reportedly killed earlier on Saturday.

Earlier, Turkana North Member of Parliament Ekwon Nabuin urged the Ministry of Interior to take action, describing it as a 'massacre.' He emphasized the severity of the situation, calling it 'extremely bad' and urging rescuers to act swiftly to protect the people of Todonyang.

"Ministry of Interior and National Administration, we are receiving disturbing reports of the killing of more than 20 fishermen in the Todonyang area of Lake Turkana by the Dassanech of Ethiopia. The numbers could be higher. The situation is extremely bad, rescuers must move fast to secure our people. 

"The massacre is happening on Kenyan soil which is occupied by well-armed Ethiopian militias (Dassanech)," said Ekwon.

A photo of fishermen in Lake Turkana. /ECOFISH

Tags: